So why is it that Tea Party members who loudly protest the decisions of the Obama Administration are portrayed as a bunch of neo-Klan-Nazi-Nuts and those who rioted and killed 53 people in the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict were excused as just being angry?

There’s a real social/cultural/political imbalance here in the wake of opposition to President Obama’s policies. Those who disagree with him, especially members of the Tea Party movement, get painted as nutty by members of the Left.

Yet for all its rhetoric, the Tea Party movement has fomented little real violence. Some are on the political fringe, but overall that movement is made up of average, middle-class people who are tired of paying high taxes to support government elites.

How soon we forget. It was just a generation ago that members of the political Left were rioting in the streets, burning cars, taking over university buildings with sit-ins, and spitting on returning soldiers. Opposition to the Vietnam War was their cause celebré and anything they did was justified as being acceptable because it was to stop the war. (Remember the Weather Underground and other left-wing terrorists?)

Can you imagine what would happen today if members of the Tea Party movement rioted, burned cars and held sit-ins? They’d all be arrested as domestic terrorists and thrown under the jail.

As it is, if they shout at a Congressman for his support of Obama, they’re portrayed as thugs.

There’s a clear double standard here and it has dangerous overtones for our nation. Political speech and opposition is a two-way street; if the Left can hurl insults at the Tea Party people, why can’t the Tea Partiers hurl insults back to the Lefties?

There are two levels at play here. First, the Left is an elitist movement made up of those who believe themselves to be superior to the rabble of average citizens. Nowhere is that more apparent than on college campuses where political correctness is viral. On many campuses, free speech is being killed by the Left; they simply won’t tolerate any view that is different from their own elite liberal opinions.

To a large extent, the Left’s elitism comes from the two coasts and large cities where liberalism is fashionable. Middle America, both geographically and politically, simply doesn’t exist in their minds, and if it does, it’s always looked down on. The average farmer in Iowa is far more foreign to a liberal New Yorker than all the foreign immigrants that city absorbs.

But the election of President Obama has also brought another, uglier level to this debate. Although few dare talk about it, the racial divide plays a large role in today’s caustic political environment.

On the political Right, many see ObamaCare as just another scheme to redistribute wealth in the country by taking from achievers and distributing to the poor, many of whom are non-white. True or not, President Obama tends to cater to that mentality by attacking the wealthy and taxing them more as a means to fund his health care plans for the poor. Today, 10 percent of top taxpayers pay 70 percent of federal taxes; nearly 50 percent of citizens pay no taxes at all.

On the political Left, too many politicians play the race card on every issue. Among the Left, the Tea Party movement is characterized again and again as an “all-white” movement, as if it were the Klan in Bermuda shorts carrying signs rather than burning crosses.
In effect, the Left is attempting to discredit and marginalize the right-of-center Tea Party movement by portraying it as a group of people to be feared.

But the scary thing here isn’t loud Tea Party protesters; the really scary thing is the political Left, which would like to squelch speech it doesn’t agree with.

Although the Left was very critical of President Bush and his wiretaps, the Left also abuses free speech through the use of intimidation to silence political speech it doesn’t like. That’s how the term “hate speech” got started. Lefties think people who disagree with them foment hate speech.

This is dangerous for the nation. It isn’t a large step from attacking “hate speech” to a government attacking and regulating any speech it doesn’t like.

Some of the Tea Party folks may be a little on the fringe. But they aren’t the real extremists in today’s political culture: That designation belongs to the Left and to Obamanites who seek to intimidate and regulate anyone who dares challenge their demigod and his policies.

Mike Buffington is editor of The Jackson Herald. He can be reached at mike@mainstreetnews.com.

I think this might be the most ignorant and blatantly inflammatory thing I have ever seen you write.

I never thought the people who rioted after the King verdict were "angry". I was infuriated and disgusted at the whole scene. At the people looting and pillaging AND the media who gave air time to the "nuts" who wanted to portray any of it as "justified".
I also think a good portion of the "tea partiers" are nut jobs. And yes, I think a good portion of them are just bigots who have found a new venue for their hate.
(quote Buffington) "anything they did was justified as being acceptable because it was to stop the war" What in the HE## are you talking about? WHO thought it was acceptable? No one I am related to ever thought it was acceptable. Who are these "people" who thought it was acceptable? The people doing it? Well DUH, they thought it was acceptable. But other than that, who are these "people" who thought it was acceptable? I live here in the south, and I can produce VOLUMES of media reports of people who thought it was wrong.
(quote Buffinton) "Can you imagine what would happen today if members of the Tea Party movement rioted, burned cars and held sit-ins?"
So sit-ins and riots fall in the same category to you? Do realize the point of a "sit-in" is non-violent protest? And more to the point, the Tea Partiers HAVE in point of FACT, protested. On SEVERAL OCCASIONS. With weapons on their hips no less, and WEREN'T arrested. Would you like me to post the MANY media reports on it so you can "imagine" it?

I would comment on every paragraph of this drivel but it makes me weary to ponder your diluted mind.

Although, I would like to thank you for the in-depth investigation into the breaking news that the "left" doesn't like the "right" and the "right" doesn't like the "left". I had no idea that either side was prone to exaggeration or propaganda until your insightful walk through our nations history.

Yes, please point out where Tea Partiers have held violent protests similar to the late 1960s protests of the Left. Guns? OK, show me among Tea Partiers the equal of the Black Panters, the SLA and the Weather Underground, all Left groups that fomented violence and robberies in the 1960s.

As for the Rodney King ordeal, perhaps you should read what a leading Congresswoman and leader of the Left had to say:

"During the Los Angeles riots in the wake of the infamous 1992 Rodney King trial, Waters described the violence (in which 58 people were killed) as "a spontaneous reaction to a lot of injustice." She held "economic, social, cultural and political" factors responsible for the disorder.[1] She dismissed the mass black looting of Korean-owned stores by saying: "There were mothers who took this as an opportunity to take some milk, to take some bread, to take some shoes…. They are not crooks." Chanting the radical slogan "No justice, no peace," she attributed the rioters' underlying rage to the federal government's allegedly longstanding "neglect" of America's inner cities.[2]"

The hyprocracy here is stunning; the Left demonizes the Tea Party movement as some sort of dangerous political movement, when the history of this country clearly shows that it is the Left which has long fomented violent political actions at times and at other times excused it.

The Tea Party movement may have some, as you say, "nut jobs," but not nearly as many as the Political Left which is defined by radicalism in the name of "progress."

So yes, show me where the Tea Party movement has been as violent as the Left... I'd love to see it.

Cindy Bone just so you will know Mike is right on the money about this subject. I was one of the thousands of Vietnam Combat Veterans who returned to a country that hated me because I was a warrior and not a draft dodger like so many in the anti-war movement. The anti-war movement just gives cover to people who were to cowardly to fight for there Country. The news media at that time vilified the American Military as being the bad guys and showed the Anti-war movement as being right. You got angry because Mike told the truth which "you" have determined is wrong. I bet you agree with our political leadership now on Heathcare, redistribution of wealth and more government in our lives. I don't want more Government in my life and definitely don't want what money I make going to people who don't do anything except wait on the government to take care of them.I support the Teabag movement in this Country and if that makes me a nut job so be it.

ALL of the violence we've seen thus far has been from the left. What happened to the "unity" we were promised? What happened to the transparency that we were promised?
We elected our first black President only to find out that he hates us and our country. He and his Admin NEVER miss an opportunity to berate and belittle his opponents, no matter how valid their complaints or fears.

It's not that we're being ignored, we're being mocked and robbed at the same time.
The Tea Parties are a natural outlet for our frustration and anger, and I may add, a very civil one.

The left, President Obama, Reed, and Pelosi are scared of Tea Party and freedom loving American's. They cannot win the debate or justify their reckless actions. They seek to remake our country, making us more and more like the socialistic leaning countries of Europe.

The radical left has finally taken over in Washington and keeps intimidating all voices of opposition. I hope this nation and our constitution can endure these trying times. This next election cycle is so important to the welfare of our nation. This agenda must be stopped or we will watch the decline of our great nation.

We must support those who courageously stand up for our constitution and bring common-sense economic solutions that will actually get our economy growing again.

Mike, have you lost your mind?
Are we wrong to think that a bunch of people screaming Socialism and Communism to the top of their lungs while enjoying their Social Security checks every month and Medicare and Medicaid health benefits aren't whackos?
Their actions speak louder than your words.

Comparing the Tea baggers to the Rodney King rioters is ludicrious. Enough said.

Comparing them to the 1960's/70's anti war movement is equally crazy. Or do you think the war was justified? Man,I hope not.

Comparing them to the Klan is more likely a relative comparison.

Your labeling everyone that disagrees with the Tea baggers as "liberal" is part of the problem. The media(that's you) and politicians like to divide everyone into social groups that they can easily manipulate. Nothing new about that.

I'm in the top 10% of income earners in the country. My wife and I will be paying more taxes as a result of the new healthcare programs,but that's okay with me because I want everyone to have healthcare,don't you?

But,I don't want another penny of my tax dollars spent on these stupid Wars. Pull our troops out TODAY! If attacked, we have Nuclear weapons,right? I say use them.
Does that sound Liberal?

You should offer information that benefits and educates your readers instead of trying to divide them with your stupid rhetoric.

So just because you opposed the war, it was OK for people to riot, break into buildings, burn buildings and cars in protest and you consider that normal; but if the Tea Party folks hold non-violent protests to complaln about high taxes, they're a bunch of "whackos?"

All I can say is that your comments reflect typical "liberal logic."

As for ObamaCare, no I don't support the government taking my money to pay for everyone else's health care.

Finally, I must point out that when Liberals can't defend their thoughts, they always resort to name-calling ("stupid rhetoric"). Why is that?

It is this way or no way per Pres. Obama Well what ya
think about that ? I think all of our good christians
should march on WASHINGTON DC and show the so called
person who was elected to the highest office in the good ole
USA . That we are still believe there is a GOD and he has not left us yet.

Mike this is the best article I have read in weeks!
In response to Ben Had according to our new rules of engagement if we are attacked with Nuclear weapons We Will Not Retaliate...You can thank YOUR president for that. As far as comparing tea party persons to the klan what would you compare Acorn to?
Cindy I guess you can call me a Bigot because I do not agree with the policies that Obama is pushing on this country. Why would they pass HEALTH CARE and the so-called “fixes” bill at the same time? If the Health care bill was ready to be voted on why would it need fixes? Why would it include student loans in Health Care?

Mike -- you've lost all perspective. You talk about the left as if it is one giant group with the same mindset, that all acted out in the same way. That's ridiculous. There were millions of people who engaged in non-violent protest against the illegal Vietnam war. There were many fewer people who broke into buildings, or burned buildings, or rioted. (And yes, I'm including the right wing Watergate burglars among those who broke into buildings.)

You lump the millions in with the few. By that same logic the Tea Party people are all responsible for throwing bricks into Democratic offices and severing the gas lines of regular citizens, or spitting on Congressmen and calling them the n-word. Why don't you bring up the hundreds of thousands of innocent lives lost to American bombing in Cambodia and Vietnam and, now, Iraq. Or the Oklahoma City bombing? That's right wing violence that far exceeds the violent acts of the left that you decry.

The Tea Party protests deficit spending under Obama, but they were absolutely silent about running up a trillion dollar bill to destroy Iraq. Their grandkids will be paying for that fiasco too. At least with health care reform average American citizens will see a real benefit. Access to affordable health care, without a "death panel" insurance company being able to get between a patient and her doctor.

You talk about the left like we are all lunatics, when in fact most of us are just listening to, and acting on, the words that Jesus spoke over 2,000 years ago: Love your neighbor as yourself. Blessed are the peacemakers.

Yes, there were non-violent protests to Vietnam; there was much violence as well which many on the Left justify as being OK... while today claiming the Tea Partiers are somehow dangerous.

As for ObamaCare, we'll just have to disagree; for those of us in private business and who have to make payroll without government bailouts, we will pay for that... and based on what I see, ObamaCare won't do much more than create more government jobs. If you want to provide healthcare for others, great; but I don't really want Uncle Sam taking my money to pay for it.

The Left is in power today, but is totally out of touch with mainstream America. That's why the fail to understand what the Tea Party folks are upset about.

I enjoy visiting these postings because people demonstrate the division that strains the fabric of this country. Common sense does not exist here. So anyone who doesn't agree with the chief scribbler might as well just let your pen dry out. On Sunday mornings, bright and fair, he and the others like him, find their way into the pews of churches that probably espouse the same rhetoric. It's sad, but what's sadder is that these attitudes will eventually strangle in real progress in this county.

Yes, there were non-violent and violent Tea Party protests; there was much violence by the right during the 70's as well (The Greensboro KKK shootings, Jackson State, and Kent State come to mind) which many on the Right justify as being OK... while today claiming the Left are somehow dangerous. It's the other side of the coin, Mike, that you keep avoiding.

As for health care reform, we'll just have to disagree; for those of us who have compassion for children born with genetic problems, compassion for those unable to find a job and who have a serious illness, compassion for those who have been dumped by a cold and heartless insurance company -- I support reform that will allow these individuals access to quality care. If you don't want to provide affordable health care for your employees, that's your option -- and it says a lot about you. I don't really want Uncle Sam taking my money to pay for unjustifiable wars or giving it to Blackwater and Halliburton with no accountability. (Several billions have just disappeared in their hands -- do you even care about that?) But if they can take my money for that, then I want them to also take my money for health care reform, good schools, good roads, and good public education.

The Right has a muddled, obfuscating voice, and is also totally out of touch with the other half of mainstream America. That's why they fail to understand any criticism of the Johnny come-lately Tea Bag protests. And that's why they somehow associate the angry people causing violence after the Rodney King verdict with leftists. They were not leftists or right-wingers -- they were angry that the justice system clearly failed when the trial was moved from Compton to (right-wing) Simi Valley and the all-white jury found the all-white right-wing police innocent of the criminal beating imposed on Rodney King. Both events were misguided and violent events -- and the guilt should be shared by both the police and the angry mob acting in the reaction to the verdict. We all saw the videos. Both were shameful. Why you attribute this to the "extreme left" is clear only in your own mind.
Mike, in bringing up the Rodney King verdict, you conveniently leave out any mention of the atrocious police behavior that required a verdict. You are as muddled and one-sided in this assessment as the typical tea bagger. I don't want to squelch your voice or anyone else's, but please be fair. Why can't we all just get along?

The spitting and namecalling incident was unfounded and never proved. Basically, it didn't happen!

Tell us what you think about ACORN William!

The left IS one giant group with basically the same mindset!

Many (if not most) Tea Party members are Libertarian and are Ron Paul supporters William. Do your homework son. At CPAC this year, he garnered 31% (1st) of the straw poll. 2nd place - less than 16%. Ah.....he doesn't support war. Neither do I frankly. Interesting note: not even Fox News made a big deal out of that, WHY? Because he represents the true dissention to BOTH of the elastic philosophies of how to run government.

As a lefty, I would be embarrassed for you to mention grandkids and spending. Health care is going to add a few bucks to that deficit also William.

Ut-Oh Mikey, now you've done it boy! How dare you! And you being a proud member of the press and all. How dare you subscribe to a philosophy that represents anything other than what the mainstream press offers!!!! You know those guys at CNN, ABC, CBS, MSNBC, basically what I call the U S Government News Agency. I can tell you one thing for sure pal, you just guaranteed yourself that you will NEVER...EVER...EVER..be offered the job of Press Secretary buddy. You have seriously limited your options!!!
I bet you have a picture of Thomas Payne hanging on your wall at home. LOL.

I am going to answer your question;
Who to fear: Tea Partiers or Extreme Left?
ANSWER: Neither one!
Think for a moment about how we sat back and watched as this climate moved in through the years. It wasn't until we actually began to taste the results of Obama and these socialist left policies (more to come), that many woke up and realized where we had taken a wrong turn. Obama didn't happen overnight!
Tea Party folks represent a great threat to the current direction of huge government. Liberal minded thinking is usually the result of a philosophy, not experience. Hence: The older we get in most cases, the more conservative we get. There is a reason for this! While younger we are more subject to influence and therefore more apt to be taken in by the fabrication that government can "make everything all right". Any sort of power over another is in my opinion, wrong! It is all about power. It is easier to sell a philosophy of "Government will take care of you" to a voter than "You will have to work hard to get ahead."
Thinnk for a minute, 30% of the people who voted for Obama have never spent a dollar they EARNED to buy anything in their freaking life! NOTHING!!! Their daddy pays for their car, their apartment near the campus, their traffic tickets, their credit card, etc,...
As these snivelheads get older they will learn the hard way that earning a way in this world is hard and when you have worked you don't want some rule of law to come along and take what you have earned away to give to someone who has not worked. Where is a prescription for success in that?
Fear them?
No! There is no reason to fear them! The answer is to stand up like the men in that room in Philidelphia did so many years ago and just REFUSE!
Here is a question for you:
If you continue to pay taxes to a corrupt govenment are you assisting this government in violating everything we stand for as a free nation of soveriegn people with the right to pursue life,liberty and happiness?
QUOTE FOR THE DAY: A Government big enough to provide you everything you need is big enough to take everything you have!
Great piece Mike! Thank You!

I'll be back in a minute, I've run to the store to pick up some sugar for my TEA!! For the record, I'm a white southern born male who yes indeed owns a gun! Racist? I have black, hispanic, jewish, Native American, white, and oriental friends! I'm a tea-bagger because I'm sick and tired of a government who insists on taking my hard earned money as taxes only to spend it on their whims! Now where did I put that teapot?

Thank God for the excellent posts from: Cindy Adams, William, Ben Had, Maybe, and Right Winger. I enjoy knowing that smart people live in my community.
It is natural to fear change and apparently it's very easy to just plain old fear. Obama is a visionary leader who is doing more for Americans right now than his predecessor could manage in almost a decade. I am very proud to live in a country that's lead by someone of courage and compassion - under "W" I wanted to move to Europe - his ignorance was shameful and it brought dishonor to all of us. Obama is right to care for all Americans and not just the financially elite (tea baggers beware who's rhetoric you're chanting - they're probably in a much higher income bracket and just don't want to pay their share of the cost of freedom).
I sincerely hope most people recognize that life IS change and it cannot be avoided. Embrace the changes that lift humanity up and fear those who would rally against something as inevitable as change itself. Obama symbolizes hope and the teabags have only fear as their central theme. It's very easy for me to choose who I want to listen to.
One cautionary thought, should the teabaggers prevail and we end up with an even more polarized economy - with a wider gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" - who will they turn to to protect them from the inevitable riots and social unrest? Is this scenario, reminiscent of South Africa's class struggle, preferrable to just paying your taxes and treating your neighbor as yourself? I think not and this truth sits well with my soul. Teabaggers - how does a doctrine of greed and fear truly sit with you when all the shouting is over? Do you feel connected to your community or do you want to destroy anybody you fear will take from you? Doctrines that inspire this response should be avoided at all cost. Please pay close attention to the motivation behind the teabag rhetoric.

Embrace Hope. If you believe what you said then by all means leave this country you hate so much and go to Europe where Obama's agenda is already in place. Then when your country in Europe is attacked call the US to defend you. A president of the USA should never bow to another leader or apoligize for our actions. In November we will start the process of bringing our country back to the people instead of the progressive's who will make us like the Europe that you aspire us to be. I ask that you rethink your position on the policies of this administration and support the Tea Bag movement for change we all can believe in.

Jack, I agree with What you are saying, This is what this country was founded on. I live and I will die for my country. My youngest son just as returned for Afghanistan where he was shot at and fault for a country that has no leadership.If Obama continues his reign this is what will become of america. I am proud of every military vet that we have in the USA. Only two persons every died for the USA. The AMERICAN soldier and JESUS CHRIST.

You said:
It is natural to fear change and apparently it's very easy to just plain old fear.
My dear Embrace Change, the concept of the US Constitution and everything about American life was to assure that all people had equal opportunity and were guarenteed the "right" to pursue life, liberty and happiness. There was nothing in that sacred document that said any American was "entitled" to the fruits of another's hard labor. Nothing!
Freedom to choose is something you liberals "embrace" with passion when it comes to the killing of a baby that lies in what is supposed to be the safest place on earth (a mother's womb), yet you understand not why hard working Americans do not want to choose to continue to support freeloaders, illegal immigrants and a welfare state that has broke the bank.

No one wants to see anyone hurt or go without. Millions of successful people give billions to assist those in need. It happens every day. I might remind you that many are those "teabaggers" you have such a poor opinion of.

You then said:
One cautionary thought, should the teabaggers prevail and we end up with an even more polarized economy - with a wider gap between the "haves" and the "have nots" - who will they turn to to protect them from the inevitable riots and social unrest?

So what you are saying is, is that I can just quit trying to earn my own way, lay around and complain and when I don;t have something I can stir up civil unrest or steal what I need as if that is any kind of logical solution. Why would it not be better to encourage a person to be self reliant, dilligent and an achiever.

I am of the belief that we all are in this thing together. That does not mean that I think it is roght to take from another, using the power of the government, to assist yourself. What is that going to do for the reciepiant? Teach them to care for themselves? Come on!!! We all are born into this world with one burden and that is that we must earn our way. The "haves" and the "have nots" are seperated by much more than you mentioned. You could have defined them as follows and said:

There are two kinds of people in the world;
(Haves)Those who look for ways in which they can and make no excuses
(Have nots)Those who look for every excuse in the world why they can't do something and make nothing but excuses.

To allow the latter to suck off of the preceeding and make it law would be injustice if ever there was such.

I'll tell you what, how about if I come over to your house and lay around while you cook for me, pay my car note, insurance and even my medical costs. If you don't want me to stay at your house then get me an apartment. You and some of your liberal friends can go in on it together, THAT will make it fair.....right?
You will say that this is an improper analogy of course but it really isn't.

Remember, a government big enough to provide you everything you need is big enough to take everything you have!

So Emmett, in terms of your workers and parasites model, where would you classify these folks:

1) the teenager crippled for life by a drunk driver
2) a child born with a genetic illness that requires hospitalization six months of every year
3) Your elderly mother who depends on Medicare and Social Security (the government dole)
4) a 52 year old man with severe autism

Clearly they would be incapable of working a full time job, so they must be examples of your parasites. In your cold-hearted America I guess we would just ship them off to some other country that shows compassion for these kinds of people. There's no room in America for these kinds of people who only make excuses for their situation.

Buddy,
You just don't get it do you? Every time that anyone tells the truth about the far-leaning liberal "left", the usual response is that the "right" wants to kill off the old, elderly, newborn and handicapped. It is a load of DNC-sponsored crap.
Emmett was making the point that those who are clearly capable of working, making a living for themselves should be working and supporting themselves. Unfortunately many of the supporters of our current ruler in Washington believe that they are entitled to everything without any effort.
During the time between the Presidential priimary and the general election, WSB Tv (Channel 2 in Atlanta) interviewed a "fifty-something" woman who clearly spoke what was being told to all in her neighborhood-Change means she will not have to make her house payment anymore. The "government will take care of me". That image has burned into my mind.
Buddy, please use the braain that God gave you and evaluate the entire situation for yourself. Don't just repeat the same rhetoric your "leaders" in the DNC have pounded into your brain over the years.
In the immortal words of a very wise man: "That's about all I got to say about that." - Forrest Gump

I "get it" but apparently you don't. I was responding to the actual words that Emmett wrote, and not to things he did not say or things he might have said. Apparently Emmett is just a patronizing parrot who could use a refresher course in the use of proper English and grammar, but that's another topic.

But in answer to YOUR words Tom, I offer this:

1) It was the extreme right that created the bogus "death panels" that you refer to. (And the concept that Sara Palin referred to as "death panels" was first offered to us by Republican Senator Isakson, so apparently death panels are his idea.)

2) Emmett said that there were only TWO types of people the Haves, who work, and the Have Nots , who loaf around all day. I was pointing out how ludicrous that perspective is. Apparently you agree with me that there are folks other than Emmett's two narrow options, and that as a nation we ought to have compassion for those kinds of folks. I'm proud that America can have that compassion, and that it was recently spelled out in the health care reform bill that just passed Congress. As a result 35 million previously uninsured (like those folks I listed in my first message) will have access to health care.

3) I work hard for a living. I am not in debt. I volunteer at my church and in my community. I grow extra food in my garden and donate it to a Food Bank. I volunteer my time to tutor middle and high school students. I'm not repeating anything the DNC, the RNC, or Fox news has proffered. I'm an independent voter, and I have compassion for the unfortunate that live all around me, and I do what I can to help out. I use my brain and my brawn.

I do think the right wing folks who post here seem to be greedy and selfish and believe the incoherent babble they spout. In truth, though, the poor use of language, grammar, and logic are actually revelatory. Sloppy writing equals sloppy thinking, Mr. Hays.

Buddy, those are good points. I'm glad you made them. There are people with legitimate needs that as a result of no fault of their own, they are dependent on someone for assistance.

Before I answer your points I would wish to make this statement / question back to you. How many of these people with the legitimate needs you mention have had them restrained, denied or restricted because of others making illegitimate claims.

1) the crippled child's family should sue the heck out of the drunk driver's insurance company. In addition, organizations like the Shriners, Children's Miracle Network and others would be certainly more able to help these children when supported by a society that was less taxed by a thirsty government who looked to stay in power by solicited voting blocks who were hypnotized into thinking their actual concerns were the motivation of these politicians.
2)child with genetic illness.....same answer
3)With all due respect Buddy, any idiot on earth can take the same funds that are usually sucked from a paycheck each week in the form of taxes for social security and invest them, even poorly and make ten fold, or more, the return that social security makes. Tell me you were joking about that one. The thing is one has to be earning money to do this. Investing your entitlement money from a government check would probably leave a lazy man's refrigerator rather sparse I admit.
4)Hopefully, the 52 year old man's family would have provided much of the support he required for most of his life. Admittedly, in later years his care would be problematic so I must admit that some sort of government (or perhaps private) funded entity would be required to care for him.

Buddy, you can list as many examples of why the "needy" should be sucking off of hard working Americans. The Haves and have nots as so elequently put earlier in the thread. The fact is, if you want to have a decent life in this world, you have to get up early, work your butt off and earn it.

Very good and well said!
As far as Buddy the examples you picked are not in the (Haves)Those who look for ways in which they can and make no excuses
(Have nots)Those who look for every excuse in the world why they can't do something and make nothing but excuses.
You examples fall into compassion! Open your eyes and look around at all the people abusing the system.

OMG!! You sound like Obama is your "Savior"!! You probably will and do benefit from his presidency: Sitting on your a-- and expecting other hard-working TRUE LOVING AMERICANS to "share" their wealth. I say HELL NO!! And let me educate you on something--it's not Teabags--it The Tea Party and it's all about fair taxes. I owe you nothing!!

You left-socialist people call "the race card" if anyone disagrees with Obama. Talk about being a bigot? You should read "his" book that he wrote about his father. There are many references to "white people" that if turned around to say "black people"? ---The NAACP would be rejoicing at yet an other reason to scream all over the media!

This to to all of you guys that think your **** don't stink. I agree with Mike What is the differance in the all of the KKK, The Black panther movement, The LSU or the part that kidnap Patty Hurst, the moonshine runners, all of the people who was against the government at anytime in our nations history it was all about paying higher taxes and the Boston Tea Party was about higher taxes too!!!!! All alone it has been against the government and The big wheels getting their way.!!!!!

A misinformed, right-wing corporate media consumer who often fails to understand that BOTH major parties represent a corrupt plutocracy that steals from the middle class by taxing labor and profiting from corporate tax subsidies.

A teabagger also often fails to acknowledge that George W. Bush and his neo-conservative minions perpetrated one of the boldest and most egregious executive power grabs in the history of the United States. Furthermore, teabaggers mistakenly continue to blame a newly elected President Obama for all that ails the United States of America, based on a grossly flawed perception of reality (including latent racial prejudice) and despite the fact the U.S. economy collapsed on the previous administration's watch.

Teabaggers are also known to base their misguided, right-wing-media-inspired beliefs about President Obama on stupid conspiracy theories about totalitarian takeovers, FEMA camps, etc., despite the fact these very same theories have been circulating around on the Internet for years, and were originally ascribed to neo-conservative cabalists at a time when Barack Obama had not even entered national politics. Teabaggers also are known to be particularly paranoid, xenophobic and intolerant, especially with regard to immigrants and anyone who isn't white.

Additionally, teabaggers generally echo stupid myths about entitlement spending (it actually only accounts for about 1% of federal budget spending), have no idea that most poor people in America are not lazy, actually do work and don't want to be on welfare, and have no idea what socialism actually means or that socialist reform in this country is actually what allowed a middle class to flourish and ultimately make the U.S. one of the most prosperous nations in human history.

Furthermore, teabaggers incorrectly equate socialism with Stalinism, think a system that rewards greed (capitalism) is the divine preference (despite Gospel evidence to the contrary), and are shameless champions of a misguided belief in American exceptionalism. Teabaggers also fail to recognize the inherently unpatriotic nature of their failed every-man-for-himself ideology that ultimately vilifies anyone who supports public policy aimed at reaching out to fellow Americans in need. They celebrate an exploitative corporatocracy (holy creator of jobs, blah blah blah) while denigrating the little guy for being "weak."

Interestingly, teabaggers uphold an immoral, morbidly obese, twice divorced, draft-dodging, college dropout and known drug addict as their de facto leader, and are even known to advocate burning books. Of course, teabaggers fail to recognize the blatant hypocrisy within the GOP and tend to oversimplify all political debate and social issues, much like their pseudo-intellectual leader.

Every village has its idiots, of course, but it's sad when citizens of any nation allow themselves to be whipped into a frenzy en masse by a state-run propaganda machine masquerading as a legitimate, fair, balanced and independent news organization. Teabaggers are right to believe the future of the U.S.A. is in jeopardy, but sadly they have not yet correctly identified the real enemy. Perhaps when teabaggers finally grow up and mature into thinking adults, they will see the right-leaning power establishment for the oppressive and cunning beast that it is.

CitizenJane's quiz is patently absurd. Teabaggers can be either heterosexual or homsexual, and they can be homophobic or not. Sounds like CitizenJane is conflicted, and perhaps questions her own identity.

(I've seen both men and women wearing those little teabags hanging off their hats, so it seems to me that that they would be the perfect definition of a teabagger.)

Mike,
I think this was a wonderful article. Many of these people seem to not have heard about the couple who were attacked in New Orleans leaving the GOP convention. 5 burley men attacked a small woman and her fiance; broke her leg in 4 places and gave the man a concussion and I think fractured his jaw; just because they were Republicans.
Your article was spot-on. The Tea Party has shown no signs of violence. The guns holstered on the hip....isn't that a right for American citizens? Have they shot anyone? Have they injured anyone? What has the Party done to justify so much hatred from the left? The left is far more prone to violence than the so-called Right Wing Nut Jobs. Take an example from that poor couple...the woman has to go to rehab for a year because of their bigotry. When was the last a Republican outrightly injured another human from purposeful violence? I have so many questions and not many VALID answers.
Thanks again Mike.

Hey, Geeze, I hear Fox News commentators and Tea Party leaders such as Mark Williams and Phillip Dennis tell people constantly that the Tea Party is not associated with the Republican Party, which is contrary to your statements. Also, how do you know that someone was attacked "because they were Republicans"? That would involve you being inside of a perpetrators mind to know intent, yes?

Okay folks....Ben here. I rolled over in my grave a moment ago to vomit and noticed this dialogue so I felt I had to comment.

First of all, Buffington, WOW! This interactive website stuff is the bomb pal! I can't imagine what Thomas Payne and I could have done with something like this! Would have saved Paul a horse too!

Buddy, you sound like a pretty smart guy so I'm befoozled a bit at how dumb some of your posts are. What part of personal responsibility do you not understand?

Can we use words like "liberty" on here? I mean it is acceptable...right? Let's look at liberty for a minute. Hence, life, LIBERTY and the pursuit of happiness. Ah...you modern folks screwed that up good last year with that eminant domain decision in the Supreme Court. I just wanted to mention that before I get started. Oh...and that breaking in someone's door crap because their neighbors say they are doing something wrong. I gotta tell you folks, if you came breaking in my door in the 1700's you were going to leave with a musket ball in your back side....IF..you left at all.

Speaking of musket balls, that brings me to the 2nd amendment that you liberals seem to have gotten all screwed up on through the ages. You see, you really do need to own a gun. The shallow philosophy that owning a gun means you are going to go out and kill someone with it is, oops, I have to vomit again, excuse me, okay, well...it's misguided at best! I wonder how many innocent murder victims wished they had a gun at that moment just before the perp reached under the table they were hiding under and killed them? Probably a good many I suspect. You guys really ought to back off of that one, be careful what you ask for. You see how that "no guns" stuff is working for the folks in London and New York don't you. Muggings in London are so common that they are considering it as a profession so as to collect tax on it.

Speaking of collecting tax. It's just my suggestion but a waaaay more simplified means of doing this could be acheived by having everyone pay it when they buy something. You know....Flat Tax. Talk about wasting tons of money on a worthless entity, that IRS of yours should be the model of ineffieciency people. Get a clue...will ya?

Now..before I go back to sleep here, I'll offer some of you losers who refuse to aspire for yourselves a bit of advice; along about the 8th grade or so, start studying hard every day for two hours. Do all your chores and be kind to others. Volunteer some time if you like, it's very constructive to do so. Finish school, go to college and get a good job. Then work your butt off and when you do I assure you that when the big huge, cellulite dragging, wasteful government comes along and tries to basically take over 60% of it, so that we can prop up some government intertwined housing and finance conclomerate who sold you neighbor that 300K house, even though she is on SSI, but now snakes are climbing around in her swimming pool because it is abandonned, tell me then how much you think government is doing for you. By the way, were none of you folks listening when that guy, what was his name, Harry Browne, tried to warn you people of what was going to happen if you didn't mend your ways back in the 1990's. Man did that guy know what he was talking about. I can't believe that guy ran for president and only got 2% of the vote as a Libertarian, no wonder you people are going through this crap.

You folks really have done a good job of stinking up the work that was done, the dues that were paid and pissed all over the philosophy of striving to get ahead in America. Now I realize this message was no doubt a bit deep for some to understand, but I just had to bring it to you. I can't take another night like that last one here in this grave.

Let me see here, where is that Ron Paul 2012 sticker I had to put on my coffin? Ah...here it is!

RIP America

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